veteran recognition

AFA Palm Springs Connects Purple Heart Veteran with KESQ for National Purple Heart Day

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On August 7th, in recognition of National Purple Heart Day, our AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 had the opportunity to connect local news station KESQ with a combat-decorated veteran for a special televised interview.

The request came in quickly. Early Thursday morning, KESQ contacted our chapter after seeing our recent Purple Heart Day posts on our website and Facebook page. The station was looking to interview a U.S. military combat Purple Heart recipient — and they needed someone available almost immediately to meet a 4:00 p.m. broadcast deadline.

With little time to spare, we reached out to chapter member Rick Johnson, who in turn contacted his neighbor and friend, Gary Lucas — retired U.S. Army Major, Vietnam War veteran, Purple Heart recipient. Fortunately, Gary was in the area for a VA Clinic appointment and was available right after. The interview was arranged on the spot, and KESQ met Gary at the Palm Desert VA Clinic.

Gary delivered a heartfelt and compelling interview, joined by fellow Vietnam veteran and friend Billy Terronova, who was also seriously wounded in combat. Their stories brought a powerful voice to Purple Heart Day, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who have been wounded in service to our nation.

About Gary Lucas


Major Gary Lucas, U.S. Army (Retired), served 21 years on active duty from 1960 to 1981. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics and Business Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

During his first Vietnam combat tour in 1966, Gary rose through the enlisted ranks to E-6. After returning to the United States, he attended Warrant Officer Flight Training, earning his pilot wings and promotion to W-1. In his second Vietnam tour (1968), he was promoted to W-2 and later received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant.

As a Cobra helicopter gunship pilot, Gary flew in 675 combat engagements. His decorations include the Air Medal with 26 oak-leaf clusters, three Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in combat, the Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for extraordinary heroism awarded by the Government of South Vietnam.

Following his military career, Gary became a post-maintenance test pilot, worked in Top Secret aviation research and development, and later in threat analysis and the design of advanced security and surveillance systems.

Thanks to the quick coordination between AFA Palm Springs, Rick Johnson, and KESQ, Gary’s story — and the stories of all Purple Heart recipients — reached a wide audience on National Purple Heart Day, reminding us of the service, sacrifice, and valor that this medal represents.

AFA Air Commandos Lunch Recap – Maj. Lee Cohen Shares His Honor Flight Experience

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On Wednesday, June 18, the Palm Springs Chapter of the Air Force Association hosted Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.) as our featured speaker at our Air Commandos Luncheon at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

Maj. Cohen shared stories from his recent journey with Honor Flight Southland Mission 18, a trip to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans. The Honor Flight experience included visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery—culminating in an emotional “Welcome Home” reception at LAX.

For Maj. Cohen, a veteran of 119½ combat missions in Vietnam, this trip served as both tribute and healing. For those in attendance, his presentation offered insight into what the Honor Flight means to veterans.

One of the touching moments shared was how each veteran received a bag filled with handmade cards and letters from local schoolchildren—many expressing gratitude, drawing American flags, and writing simple but powerful messages like “Thank you for your service.”

About Honor Flight
The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization that honors America’s veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. The program focuses on veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Honor Flight Southland, which coordinated Maj. Cohen’s flight, serves veterans from across Southern California and relies on volunteers and donations to make each mission possible. From airport send-offs to school letters, the experience is designed to give these veterans the tribute they never received.

Thank you to Maj. Lee Cohen for sharing this journey and for his decades of service to the United States Air Force.

For more information or to get involved, visit:
https://www.honorflightsouthland.org

AFA Air Commandos Lunch – Maj. Lee Cohen’s Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

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Join Us – AFA Air Commandos Lunch: Major Lee Cohen’s Honor Flight

On Wednesday, June 18, we welcome Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.), for a special AFA Air Commandos luncheon at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. He’ll be sharing highlights from his recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where veterans visited memorials in their honor and experienced a long-overdue welcome home.

Maj. Cohen’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and reflection—from the Vietnam War and Red River Rat sorties to being recognized decades later during this moving tribute to veterans.

Date: Wednesday, June 18
Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook St., Palm Desert, CA
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
No RSVP required

There is no event charge—just pay for your own food and beverage.

This is a unique chance to hear a veteran’s powerful journey from combat missions to an Honor Flight homecoming. All are welcome—bring a friend or fellow aviation enthusiast.

Major Lee Cohen – Honor Flight Mission #18

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**Join Us in Welcoming Him Home!**All are invited to participate in a special **Welcome Home Celebration** this **Sunday, May 18, at 12:30 p.m.**, when Major Cohen and fellow veterans return from their “Tour of Honor.” Bring your flags, signs, and applause as we give these heroes the welcome they truly deserve!

📍 **Location:** LAX – Southwest Airlines Terminal 1, Baggage Claim Area

✈️ **Flight:** Southwest #WN3261

The Palm Springs Chapter 134 of the Air & Space Forces Association proudly honors one of our own—USAF Major (Ret.) Lee Cohen—on his selection to **Honor Flight Southland’s Mission #18**. Major Cohen joins a distinguished group of veterans receiving an all-expense-paid journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

Major Cohen’s Air Force career spans pivotal moments in Cold War and Vietnam-era history. Commissioned in 1959, he began his service in electronic warfare with the EB-57, testing NORAD defense systems and training interceptor pilots. Later, he flew with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Alaska—recognized twice as the best in the Air Force—before deploying to Southeast Asia during Operation Rolling Thunder. There, he flew 119 ½ combat missions over North Vietnam in EB-57s and F-102s.

For his courageous service, Major Cohen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals. After contributing to planning efforts for the return of American POWs and serving in key operational roles, he retired in 1978 as a Major. He now resides in Beaumont, California.